The 2017 NFL season is finally about to kick off. Before this year's expectations crash into the reality of actual football action, I thought I'd consider which players and coaches are facing the highest expectations heading into the season. Below, I've listed 11 such figures, along with an assessment of each person's ability to meet these soaring expectations.

2) Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

The reigning MVP returns with all the key figures from the Falcons' massively successful 2016 season -- except for offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan. Now the pressure is on Ryan to both shake off the epic Super Bowl LI loss and show he can produce at an elite level without Shanahan's guiding hand. New offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is good at what he does, and, of course, coach Dan Quinn is also there to help prevent a drop-off. It would be a boon if Taylor Gabriel and Austin Hooper could take a step forward in 2017, but I think Ryan's demeanor will make the ultimate difference. By Week 4, we'll see that Ryan and the Falcons are operating at the same explosive clip they did last year, and I could see this team going back to the Super Bowl.

3) Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

It's easy to automatically mark Brady down for yet another Pro Bowl-caliber season, but let's not forget that he's in uncharted territory. He's a 40-year-old quarterback who is being widely expected to play at a level no 40-year-old quarterback ever has. If he merely repeats his 2016 play (296.2 yards per game, 28 touchdowns, two picks, 112.2 passer rating in 12 games) in 2017, he'll soar past what Brett Favre -- the current leader in passing yards among QBs 40 or older -- did in 2009 (4,202 yards, 33 TDs, seven picks, 107.2 passer rating). Of course, the wild thing is, these expectations are completely reasonable. Because of Brady's diet and the way he takes care of his body, when you see him and how he moves, it's like he's 40 going on 27. In that way, he reminds me of Roger Staubach as he got older. I think Brady will keep pushing the envelope and reaching new heights for his age.

5) J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

The Texans' defense was dominant with Watt hurt for most of 2016 -- so logic holds that his return to health in 2017 will make this unit, which has ranked seventh or better in five of the last six years, even more formidable than usual, right? This line of thinking puts a ton on Watt's surgically-repaired back, with the 28-year-old three-time Defensive Player of the Year yet to be tested in meaningful on-field action. But I think he'll come through and push Houston to new defensive heights, thanks to the emergence of Jadeveon Clowney and continued strong performance of Whitney Mercilus. In fact, the attention Clowney will demand from opponents will make Watt as dangerous as he's ever been.

6) Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Winston made incremental gains in production from his rookie season to 2016, but with the additions of receiver DeSean Jackson and rookie tight end O.J. Howard to an offense already boasting Mike Evans, Doug Martin and Cameron Brate, people are buzzing about the Bucs' potential in 2017. And I think the moves will allow the quarterback to take a huge step forward in Year 3. Coach Dirk Koetter loves to throw to the tight end, which makes the first-round selection of Howard -- and 2016 emergence of Brate -- particularly encouraging for Winston. He has a chance to reach the 4,500-yard mark and nudge his completion rate further north of 60 percent.

10) Marshawn Lynch, RB, Oakland Raiders

If the Raiders are going to be successful, they need to control the time of possession, and that's where Lynch comes in -- he's that big running back who converts third downs and keeps the clock running. It's true that he hasn't been in real game action since 2015, when he gained just 3.8 yards per carry in seven outings. But I think being off for the 2016 season will help the 31-year-old veteran stay fresh this year. When the Raidersplayed in Dallas this preseason, he carried the ball twice and looked pretty good. I think we'll see him return to the level he played at in 2013 and '14, especially running behind this Oakland offensive line, which is nearly as good as the Cowboys'.

11) Jay Ajayi, RB, Miami Dolphins

Ajayi recovered from a rough and slightly turbulent start to 2016 to post some strong numbers, including a trio of 200-yard games, while helping the Dolphins reach the playoffs. It's crucial to Miami's season that Ajayi be able to replicate that success in Year 3 -- and I think he will. Ajayi has great running ability. He sees the opening and knows how to cut. There's no question in my mind that if he stays healthy (and, it should be noted, doubts about his longevity were what helped depress his draft stock in 2015), Ajayi will have an even better year than he did in 2016.